Packaging material tracking system and method

Abstract

To provide a system capable of promoting reuse of a packing material.SOLUTION: A tracking system 1 for promoting reuse of a packing material includes: databases 8 to 10 for packing sheet having a computer store packing sheet information associated with attribute information 19 on the packing sheet, a tracking record 18 added to the packing sheet, first provider information 23 for the packing sheet, and history information 21 on the reuse owner; an owner determination unit 12 having the computer receive input of the attribute and tracking code 18 for the packing sheet from the present owner of the packing sheet and determine the person to be the present owner of the packing sheet when the information on the packing sheet with a matching combination of the attribute and code exist in the databases 8 to 10; and a reuse history updating unit 13 for having the computer store the present owner to the database and update the owner history information on the first owner and the reuse owner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging material tracking system for tracking the reuse of packaging materials. [Background technology]

[0002] When giving a gift, gift wrapping is an essential way to add color to the gift. Beautiful wrapping not only pleases the recipient, but choosing colorful wrapping paper and ribbons is also one of the joys of the giver.

[0003] In Japan, gifts have been carefully wrapped in washi paper since ancient times. The Japanese "wrapping" culture, which involves careful work behind the scenes, truly expresses the spirit of "omotenashi" (hospitality), and the beauty of the appearance and high level of packaging techniques have been praised overseas as "creative." In addition, not only is the spirit of taking good care of things deeply rooted in Japan, but the "diagonal folding" method, which requires only one fastening point, is widespread, so wrapping paper is neatly opened and often reused. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, there are many occasions when gifts are given, such as for birthdays and anniversaries, and a lot of packaging materials are used each time.

[0005] The problems here are as follows:

[0006] Even if you choose a beautiful design, it may be torn in an instant when opening the package. · Environmental burden caused by the large amount of wrapping paper and tape used and the large amount of waste - Most gift wrapping paper is specially processed, such as by lamination, making it difficult to recycle.

[0007] This invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to propose a system and method for tracking the reuse of gift packaging materials that achieves both "beautiful Japanese-style wrapping" and "reduced environmental impact." [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is provided.

[0009] (1) A packaging tracking system for promoting the reuse of packaging materials, comprising: a packaging material information database in which a computer stores information on the packaging material in association with attributes of the packaging material, a tracking code attached to the packaging material, and history information of the first owner and the owner regarding reuse of the packaging material; an owner determination means for receiving an input of attributes and a tracking code of a packaging material from a current owner of the packaging material, and determining that the current owner is the owner of the packaging material if information of the packaging material having a matching combination of the attributes and the tracking code is present in the database; a reuse history update means for updating history information of the first owner and the owner of reuse, the reuse history update means being configured by a computer to store the current owner in the database and update history information of the first owner and the owner of reuse; A packaging material tracking system comprising:

[0010] (2) In the system according to (1), A reuse reward information display means, which displays reward information regarding reuse of the packaging material to the owner when the owner determination means determines that the owner is the current owner. The system further comprising:

[0011] (3) In the packaging material tracking system described in (2) above, The information on the packaging material is associated with information on a provider of the packaging material; This system is an owner authentication means for authenticating the first owner in the computer; a packaging material information management means for allowing the computer to register and modify the packaging material information and the reuse reward information in response to the authentication; A packaging material tracking system comprising:

[0012] (4) In the system according to (2), the computer further comprises a reward sending means for sending a reward related to the reward information to a contact address designated by a previous owner when the packaging material is reused; The reuse reward information display means includes a destination input means for inputting a destination of the reward to be sent by the computer. A system characterized by:

[0013] (5) An app for use in the system described in (1) above, a tracking code input means for receiving input of attributes and a tracking code of the packaging material from a current owner of the packaging material; a packaging material history display means for displaying the history information of the first owner and the owner involved in reuse of the packaging material; An app characterized by having:

[0014] (6) A packaging material for use in the system described in (1) above, A packaging body and the tracking code displayed on the packaging body. A packaging material comprising:

[0015] (7) A packaging material tracking method for promoting reuse of packaging materials, comprising: A step in which the computer stores the information on the packaging material in a packaging material information database in association with attributes of the packaging material, a tracking code attached to the packaging material, and history information of the first owner and owners involved in reuse of the packaging material; an owner determination step in which a packaging material information database receives input of attributes and a tracking code of a packaging material from a current owner of the packaging material, and determines that the current owner is the owner of the packaging material if information of a packaging material having a matching combination of the attributes and the tracking code is present in the database; a reuse history update step in which the computer stores the current owner in the database and updates history information of the initial owner and the owner related to reuse; 13. A method for tracking packaging material, comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to track information about the wrapping paper, and to provide an incentive for reuse.

[0017] Features of the present invention other than those described above are disclosed in the following embodiments and drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the system.

[0020] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the wrapping paper.

[0021] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the wrapping paper.

[0022] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the reuse of wrapping paper.

[0023] [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the user interface.

[0024] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the user interface.

[0025] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the user interface.

[0026] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the user interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of this embodiment.

[0029] In this example, wrapping paper will be used as the wrapping material.

[0030] (Overall configuration diagram) In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a tracking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] This tracking system 1 is capable of communicating with user terminals 5 (5a to 5c) of users 4 (4a to 4c) of wrapping paper 3 via the Internet 2. Here, 4a indicates the first user A of the wrapping paper, 4b indicates the second user B, and 4c indicates the third user C.

[0032] The first user A is typically a provider of the wrapping paper 3. For example, a store is the provider (user A), and when the store uses the wrapping paper 3 to wrap a product sold to user B, the ownership of the wrapping paper 3 is transferred to user B.

[0033] Furthermore, if the wrapping paper 3 itself is sold, the first owner, i.e., the provider (user A), may be a person who purchases the wrapping paper 3 from a manufacturer or seller of the wrapping paper 3. In this case, ownership is transferred to user B when the first user A uses the wrapping paper to wrap a present for user B.

[0034] The tracking system 1 provides an environment that promotes the reuse of the wrapping paper 3 under such circumstances.

[0035] (Tracking System) FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing the tracking system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0036] This system comprises a data storage unit 6 and a program storage unit 7 connected to a communication bus to which a CPU, RAM, and an input / output interface are connected.

[0037] The data storage unit 6 stores a wrapping paper information database 8, a reuse history information DB 9, and a wrapping paper provider DB 10, which will be described only with respect to the present invention.

[0038] The program storage unit 7 stores, to explain only those parts related to this invention, an owner determination unit 12, a reuse history update unit 13, a reuse reward display unit 14, a provider approval unit 15, a wrapping paper information management unit 16, and a reward sending unit 17.

[0039] The wrapping paper information database 8 stores the tracking code 18 of the wrapping paper in association with attributes 19 of the wrapping paper 3 and reward information 20 to be provided when the wrapping paper is reused.

[0040] The reuse history information DB 9 stores information 21 about the owner (users B and C) of reuse and reward destination 22 (email addresses of users B and C) in association with the tracking code 18.

[0041] The wrapping paper provider DB 10 also stores information 23 about the wrapping paper provider in association with the tracking code 18 attached to the wrapping paper provided by the wrapping paper provider.

[0042] The owner determination unit 12 receives input of the attributes 19 and tracking code 18 of the wrapping paper from the current owner of the wrapping paper, and if information of wrapping paper with a matching combination of the attributes 19 and code 18 exists in the database 8, it determines that the owner is the current owner of the wrapping paper 3.

[0043] The reuse history update unit 13 stores and updates information about the current owner in the database, stores and updates history information about the initial owner and the owner (user) related to reuse, and displays the updated information on the user terminals 5a to 5c.

[0044] The reuse reward display unit 14 displays reuse reward information 20 on the user's terminals 5a to 5c when the history information 21 is displayed.

[0045] The provider authentication unit 15 authenticates the wrapping paper provider who is the original owner of the wrapping paper 3.

[0046] The wrapping paper information management unit 16 allows the authenticated provider to register and edit the wrapping paper information and reward information.

[0047] The reward sending unit 17 sends the reward information to a destination 22 (email address) of the user who used the wrapping paper 3 .

[0048] The configuration and operation of each of the components 12 to 16 will be described below with reference to a method for promoting reuse of packaging paper 3 using this system 1.

[0049] Each of the components 12 to 16 is actually a computer software program, which is called by the CPU, expanded on the RAM, and executed to function as a component of the present invention.

[0050] (wrapping paper) 3 and 4 show the wrapping paper 3 of this embodiment.

[0051] The wrapping paper 3 in this embodiment is strong enough to withstand reuse, and is preferably made of recycled synthetic paper such as Tyvek (registered trademark) or Yupo paper, which is durable, water-resistant, and tear-resistant, or long-fiber nonwoven fabric or Japanese paper, but is not limited to these.

[0052] It is preferable that this wrapping paper 3 has a simple design that is not limited to a specific use, but in the case of an order from a sponsoring company (provider), it may be printed with a design that meets the request.

[0053] In this embodiment, masking tape may be provided as a tape suitable for the wrapping paper 3. This masking tape is preferably a masking tape with a design that matches the wrapping paper and that leaves no trace when peeled off.

[0054] Also, in this embodiment, packaging instructions are preferably provided online by the system 1.

[0055] The wrapping paper 3 may also be sold as a kit including the masking tape, instruction manual, scissors, and other items.

[0056] (Tracking code) In this embodiment, the tracking code 18 is provided either printed directly on the wrapper 3 (FIG. 3) or in the form of a label (FIG. 4).

[0057] Here, the tracking code 18 may be a serial number, or a randomly generated number or symbol.

[0058] The tracking code 18 may also be provided as a bar code or a QR code.

[0059] This tracking code 18 is attached to the wrapping paper 3, and in this case, it is preferable that it is attached in one or more places.

[0060] In this embodiment, the label is printed along all four edges, as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the label may be attached to all four corners, as shown in Figure 4.

[0061] In this example, the attributes of the wrapping paper 3 are displayed as attributes 19 on the wrapping paper 3. Here, the attributes of the wrapping paper 3 include the appearance of the wrapping paper 3, such as the color, shape, pattern, and material, but may be information other than the tracking code 18 displayed on the wrapping paper 3 as in this example.

[0062] (Wrapping paper provided) In this embodiment, the wrapping paper 3 is sold / provided online or in store.

[0063] When the wrapping paper 3 is sold online, the wrapping paper information management unit 16 may receive an order for the production of the wrapping paper from the original owner.

[0064] In this case, the wrapping paper information management unit 16 allows the company ordering the wrapping paper 3 (wrapping paper provider) to input necessary wrapping paper information, such as selecting a desired design, through an interface displayed on the user's terminal 5. In addition, the wrapping paper information management unit 16 may allow the provider to input the reward information at this time.

[0065] In addition, when the provider is an individual, the provider may be able to receive a discount (sponsorship) on the sales price by outputting advertisements or rewards (reward information) from other companies.

[0066] A person who orders wrapping paper 3 is registered as the first owner (provider) by inputting his / her own information 23 as provider information into the wrapping paper database 8 and wrapping paper provider database 10 when placing the order or after the wrapping paper 3 arrives.

[0067] When the wrapping paper 3 is sold in a store, it is preferable to provide the wrapping paper in the form of a kit as described above. In this case, a person who purchases the wrapping paper at a store and registers the owner information 23 in the database 8, 10 together with the attributes 19 of the wrapping paper 3 and the tracking code 18 attached to the wrapping paper 3 becomes the first owner (provider).

[0068] (Enter tracking code) Next, a reuse tracking process using this wrapping paper 3 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0069] This process assumes that the wrapping paper 3 is provided by the first owner (user A in FIG. 1) to a user B, who then reuses the wrapping paper 3 to give as a present to another user C. It is assumed that the information on the wrapping paper 3 and the information on the provider (user A in this example) have already been input in the process described above.

[0070] Note that the process symbols S1 to S shown in this flowchart correspond to the symbols indicating each step shown in the following description.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows an example of an interface displayed in an application (including a Web application) installed on the terminal 5b of user B.

[0072] In this diagram, user B searches the history of wrapping paper 3 by inputting the attributes 19 and tracking code 18 of the wrapping paper 3 that he or she received (steps S1, S2). For example, if the attributes 3 are printed on the wrapping paper 3, the user B inputs them, and if the attributes have not been input, the user B inputs the color, shape, size, pattern, etc. of the wrapping paper 3 as requested by the application.

[0073] If information matching the tracking code 18 and attribute 19 is found in the databases 8 to 10, it is determined that the user B has ownership of the wrapping paper, and the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (step S3).

[0074] On this interface, a display field 26 and an input field 27 for the wrapping paper history information 21 are displayed together with the tracking code 18 (step S4). This interface also displays a reward information display field 28 that displays reward information 20 as an incentive for reuse (step S5). The reward related to this reward information 20 is set by the provider of this wrapping paper 3, and may be, for example, a coupon. This interface also displays a reward destination input field 29, allowing the current owner to enter contact information (reward destination 22). A reward is then delivered based on the next user reusing this wrapping paper.

[0075] Examples of reward information include coupons or points that can be used to purchase services or products from a sponsoring company. Alternatively, the sponsoring company may make a donation to environmental conservation activities depending on the number of times the wrapping paper 3 is reused. Any other information that can be an incentive to reuse the wrapping paper 3 may be used.

[0076] When User B enters the date, name, purpose and contact information on this interface and presses the send button 30 (step S6), this information is stored in the data storage unit 6, and an interface indicating completion of sending, as shown in FIG. 8, is displayed.

[0077] (Share information) This sending completion interface includes an SNS share button 31.

[0078] When this SNS share button 31 is pressed, an SNS share interface opens as shown in FIG. 9, and the tracking code 18 is already input as a tag in an input field 32 on this interface.

[0079] This allows the user to enter information or upload an image into the input field and then press the share button 33 to post it to a social networking site.

[0080] (Providing rewards when reuse is confirmed) Next, assume that user B reuses the wrapping paper 3 and uses it as a present for user C. At this time, user B notifies user C that the wrapping paper 3 is reusable and that a reward will be given to user C if user C registers his / her information. This reward becomes an incentive for further reuse.

[0081] Next, this user C searches using the tracking code 18 and attributes 19 of this wrapping paper 3 (steps S8, S9), and when the transfer of ownership is confirmed (step S9), the reward sending unit 17 sends reward information to the contact information of user B entered above (reward destination 22 entered in the reward destination input field 29). As described above, this reward information is, for example, a coupon code or other incentive information related to the provider's products or services.

[0082] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0083] For example, in the above embodiment, wrapping paper was used as an example of the packaging material, but the packaging material is not limited to this and may be, for example, a packaging bag, a packaging box, or a ribbon. The type of packaging material is not important as long as it is a packaging material that would normally be discarded after one use and it is desired to promote reuse or recycling.

[0084] The tracking code may be input using a bar code scanner or a tag scanner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Tracking system 1. System 2. Internet 3…Wrapping paper 4. User 5. User terminal 6. Data storage section 7…Program storage section 8. Wrapping paper information database 9…Reuse history information database 10. Wrapping paper provider database 12…Owner determination department 13…Reuse history update section 14…Reusable reward display section 15…Provider Approval Department 16…Wrapping paper information management department 17…Reward sending section 18. Tracking code 19…User attributes 20…Reward Information 21. History information 22…Reward destination 23…Owner information 26…Display field 27…Input field 28…Reward information display section 29…Reward destination input field 30…Submit button 31…SNS share button 32...Input field 33…Share button

Claims

1. A packaging material tracking system for promoting reuse of packaging materials, comprising: a packaging material information database in which a computer stores information on the packaging material in association with attributes of the packaging material, a tracking code attached to the packaging material, and history information of the first owner and the owner regarding reuse of the packaging material; an owner determination means for receiving an input of attributes and a tracking code of a packaging material from a current owner of the packaging material, and determining that the current owner is the owner of the packaging material if information of the packaging material having a matching combination of the attributes and the tracking code is present in the database; a reuse history update means for updating history information of the first owner and the owner of reuse, the reuse history update means being configured by a computer to store the current owner in the database and update history information of the first owner and the owner of reuse; When the owner determination means determines that the owner is the current owner, the computer is configured to display reward information related to the reuse of the packaging material to the owner. A packaging material tracking system comprising:

2. 2. The packaging material tracking system according to claim 1, The information on the packaging material is associated with information on a provider of the packaging material; This system is an owner authentication means for authenticating the first owner in the computer; a packaging material information management means for allowing the computer to register and modify the packaging material information and the reuse reward information in response to the authentication; A packaging material tracking system comprising:

3. 2. The system of claim 1, the computer further comprises a reward sending means for sending a reward related to the reward information to a contact address designated by a previous owner when the packaging material is reused; The reuse reward information display means includes a destination input means for inputting a destination of the reward to be sent by a computer. A system characterized by:

4. An application for use in the system according to claim 1, a tracking code input means for receiving input of attributes and a tracking code of the packaging material from a current owner of the packaging material; a packaging material history display means for displaying the history information of the first owner and the owner involved in reuse of the packaging material; An app characterized by having:

5. A packaging material for use in the system according to claim 1, A packaging material body and the tracking code displayed on the packaging material body. A packaging material comprising:

6. 1. A method for tracking packaging material to promote reuse of packaging material, comprising: A step in which the computer stores the information on the packaging material in a packaging material information database in association with attributes of the packaging material, a tracking code attached to the packaging material, and history information of the first owner and owners involved in reuse of the packaging material; an owner determination step in which a packaging material information database receives input of attributes and a tracking code of a packaging material from a current owner of the packaging material, and determines that the current owner is the owner of the packaging material if information of a packaging material having a matching combination of the attributes and the tracking code is present in the database; a reuse history update step in which the computer stores the current owner in the database and updates history information of the initial owner and the owner related to reuse; When it is determined that the owner is the current owner by the owner determination step, the computer performs a reuse reward information display step of displaying reward information regarding reuse of the packaging material to the owner.

13. A method for tracking packaging material, comprising:

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